cauterize

An operation or treatment that uses heat to destroy or remove damaged tissue is called cauterization. This process can help prevent infections from spreading.

When doctors talk about cauterizing an injury or wound, they're usually referring to a medical procedure where they apply heat to close off bleeding vessels and promote healing. Sometimes this involves using a chemical or electrical current to seal the wound. In some cases, patients might need cauterization after surgery to prevent infection from setting in. If you've ever had a skin tag removed with a hot tool, that's basically a type of cauterization too.